Automotive history in the spotlight: Special exhibition “The Speed of Light” at the Audi museum mobile

Automotive history in the spotlight: Special exhibition “The Speed of Light” at the Audi museum mobile

17.11.2022: Ten vehicles and other exhibits illuminate the evolution of vehicle lighting Stephan Berlitz, Head of Lighting Development, AUDI AG: “Digitalization takes automotive lighting technology to a new dimension” New exhibitions launching Nov

Ten vehicles and other exhibits illuminate the evolution of vehicle lighting
    
   
Stephan Berlitz, Head of Lighting Development, AUDI AG: “Digitalization takes automotive lighting technology to a new dimension”
    


  
New exhibitions launching November 18 at the museum – fascinating information on the exhibits is available via the Audi Tradition app from late November




The new special exhibition “The Speed of Light” at the Audi museum mobile in Ingolstadt is, for the first time, telling the whole story of lighting development through the rich product history of the brand with the four rings. The special exhibition looks back to the beginnings of vehicle lighting – when early automobiles still used actual fire for illumination.



Ten vehicles serve to trace the various epochs in lighting technology, while other exhibits illustrate the functionality and the fascination of constantly evolving headlight and rear light technologies. “The Speed of Light” can be viewed at the Audi museum mobile from November 18, 2022, to June 4, 2023, and digitally on the Audi Tradition app.


“The early days of the automobile were long in the dark,” says Stefan Felber, curator of Audi Tradition’s new special exhibition. Felber explains: The headlights and rear lights that modern drivers now take almost for granted had a difficult start because, as cars were derived from carriages, they initially adopted the lighting technology of the day: candles in wind-sheltered enclosures, which were not much more than mere position lights.


It was only with higher speeds and the advent of night driving that safe illumination of the road became increasingly important and soon a legal requirement. From candles to the later kerosene lamps, vehicle lighting began evolving rapidly. Carbide headlights served as a bridge technology until the implementation of electric lighting.



The so-called “Bosch light” of 1913 was the first significant milestone towards modern headlights. The development of Bilux two-wire lamps in 1924 enabled, for the first time, high beams and low beams in one headlight.



But good car-powered road illumination has always been an evolving field. With the advent of halogen technology in the early 1970s, the intensive innovation in lighting technology at Audi picked up speed rapidly, leading to a new era in lighting in 1994, with the first use of xenon headlights in the Audi A8.



Right at the outset of the 21st century, Audi was the first manufacturer to exploit the full potential of light-emitting diodes: in 2004, LED daytime running lights went into series production in the A8 W12; in 2008, the company revolutionized the world of lighting with the first all-LED headlights in the high-performance Audi R8 sports car; and 2014 marked another global first when the company added lasers as additional high beams in series models. Audi continues to point the way to the future of lighting technology through the digitalization of light, with, for example, digital Matrix LED headlights and digital OLED rear lights.


 
Stephan Berlitz, Head of Lighting Development at Audi’s Technical Development unit, says: “Lighting technology continues to become increasingly important, with its outlook now changing. While safety remains the most important development aspect, in the future, car lights will be able to do more than give light. Through our digitalization efforts, Audi is pioneering a new dimension of automotive lighting technology.


Lights are becoming a medium for external communication and interaction – in other words, an important means of communication with other road users.” In today’s automotive design, headlights and rear lights are now the perfect design element for car customization, for example, with digital light signatures. And the evolution of vehicle lighting is far from over.



The new special exhibition illuminates the current trend of digitalization in lighting technology and offers a small yet exciting glimpse into the future.





Selected exhibits: from the Audi Type C to the Audi AI:CON



The oldest exhibit in “The Speed of Light” is an Audi Type C from 1919 with acetylene headlights; the 1925 Horch 10/50 PS already has electric lights. Also on display are a 1936 Horch 850 Cabriolet with Bilux high beams and a 1954 DKW F 91 with yellow fog lights.


The twin headlights in the 1976 Audi 80 GTE already feature halogen technology, while the 1994 Audi S6 uses xenon lights. Xenon headlights were first used in the first-generation Audi A8 in 1994. The special exhibition also presents a 2014 Audi R8 LMX with laser high beams and a 2017 Audi A8 with HD Matrix LED headlights, including laser light as an additional high beam.



The A8 was also the first model to implement dynamic lighting scenarios as a leaving home and coming home function. The new special exhibition at the Audi museum mobile rounds off with the Audi AI:CON concept car. Both the front and the rear act as fully digitized display surfaces consisting of hundreds of triangular pixel segments.



The idea behind this is: Car lights of the future will outstrip yesteryear’s one-dimensional signal/warning functionality and be transformed into a versatile means of communication with the outside world, bringing added safety for drivers.



The exhibition is also available digitally on the Audi Tradition app



From late November onwards, the interested public can also visit “The Speed of Light” digitally on the Audi Tradition app. The app serves as a digital companion at the Audi museum mobile in Ingolstadt: Visitors receive in-depth content on the cars and exhibits on display in text form; for selected vehicles, there is an audio guide and even a 360-degree panoramic view.



What’s more, the Audi Tradition app offers exciting content related to the new special exhibition from home or on the road – and beyond.


       

Daniela Henger - photos Audi

Permanent-URL: http://www.automobilsport.com/special-exhibition-speed-light-audi-museum-mobile---245319.html

17.11.2022 / MaP

More News

Toyota Parts Centre Europe (TPCE) celebrates its 30th anniversary this year
15.11.2022
Toyota’s largest service parts logistics site outside of Japan is located in Belgium    With over 60 million parts and accessories passing through TPCE annually, the logistics centre in Diest is a cornerstone for more >>
Lamborghini Day Japan 2022
15.11.2022
Spectacular annual event attracts 180 Lamborghini cars in TokyoAutomobili Lamborghini celebrated the 2022 Lamborghini Day Japan in Tokyo, welcoming 180 Lamborghinis current, classic and special edition Lamborghini cars that gathered at the more >>
The Ultimate Driving Museum Names the 2006 E86 BMW Z4 M Coupe as November's “Car of the Month Brought To You By Continental”
10.11.2022
...in The Power of M ExhibitionThe BMW CCA Foundation and The Ultimate Driving Museum have selected the 2006 E86 BMW Z4 M Coupe as November's "Car of the Month Brought to You By Continental." The campaign, which began in June, will spotlight one car each month until the remainder of the year, to help support The Power of M exhibit at the Museum, ce more >>
NEOM McLaren Electric Racing moves to new home at Bicester Heritage
08.11.2022
  •    McLaren Racing will open the next phase of its electric motorsport journey when it enters the 2022/2023 Season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship•    The move more >>
BMW M Award 2022: Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia wins coveted prize as fastest MotoGP™ qualifier of the season.
06.11.2022
The final qualifying session of the 2022 MotoGP™ season is over, which meant it was time for the traditional presentation of the BMW M Award at the final in Valencia, Spain on Saturday. This year, Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia won the coveted a more >>
Mickey Thompson adds biggest-ever tires to its ultra premium Baja Boss® M/T Extreme mud-terrain line
02.11.2022
At this year’s annual SEMA show in Las Vegas, Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels unveiled all-new 42- and 44-inch tire sizes, the largest ever, for its Baja Boss® M/T line. Available to con more >>
Goodyear unveils the largest tire in its Cooper Discoverer® Rugged Trek™ line with two new 37-inch options
02.11.2022
The company announced 14 additional sizes between its Cooper Discoverer® Rugged Trek™ and Discoverer® STT Pro™ lines at SEMA   At the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber more >>
Goodyear's new new Mastercraft® Courser® Trail HD™ recognized among new product award winners at SEMA
02.11.2022
... a first for the brandAt the 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s new Mastercraft® Courser® Trail HD™ tire has ranked in t more >>
Toyota GR Models to be Exhibited at the 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show
02.11.2022
-Proposing concept and race-bred cup cars from various motorsports scenes- Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) announced at the SEMA (Special Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 1, 2022, the “GR COROLLA RALLY CONCEPT”, the “GR SUPRA '10-SECOND TWINS'”, planned and built by Toyota Motorsports Gar more >>
British Royal Automobile Club honours drivetrain of Mercedes-AMG ONE
02.11.2022
Prestigious Dewar Trophy for street-legal performance-hybrid with Formula 1™ technologyGreat honour for the Mercedes-AMG ONE (weighted fuel consumption, combined: 8.7 l/100 km; weighted CO2 emissions, combi more >>
Malaysia’s transforming automotive industry represented by new themes at Automechanika Kuala Lumpur 2023
31.10.2022
Transformation is circulating Malaysia’s automotive market ahead of Automechanika Kuala Lumpur 2023. From both policy-driven and private sector initiatives, the country has ambitious plans to establish more influence on an international level. Between 16 and 18 March at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, players can explore a gathering of opportunities from the upswin more >>
Automobili Lamborghini takes part in the Autostyle Design Competition for the eleventh consecutive year
28.10.2022
The international design event returns for its 19th editionAutomobili Lamborghini takes part in the XIX Autostyle Design Competition, the event promoted by Berman S.p.A. that presents the latest innovations and avant-garde projects from leadin more >>
CAKE Opens First North American Retail and Service Center in Los Angeles, California
27.10.2022
The newest CAKE :site will also be the new headquarters for its North American operations CAKE, the Swedish maker of premium lightweight, electric motorcycles, is proud to open the doors of its first North American CAKE :site in Los An more >>
THE GOLDEN AGE OF RALLY - On October 27 MAUTO starts the great journey in the golden age of rallies
26.10.2022
In Turin the iconic cars of the great champions: from Pinto to Biasion, from Mouton to Kankkunen 50 years after Gino Macaluso’s victory of the European Championship, on display the cars of his collection The halls of the It more >>
BMW Enthusiasts Celebrate 50 Years of M Cars at The Ultimate Driving Museum in Greer, S.C.
20.10.2022
For enthusiasts of BMW’s high-performance M cars, it was a dream weekend in Greer, South Carolina, October 14-16, as the 50th anniversary of BMW Motorsport was celebrated at the BMW CCA Foundation’s The Ultimate Driving Museum. more >>
Alpine, partner of the 2022 Ballon d’Or, and fervent supporter of Karim Benzema
17.10.2022
    Alpine will be an official partner of the Ballon d'Or 2022 ceremony, a major event in the world of football.    Celebrating sportsmanship and excellence, this evening will reward the best footballers of 2022.    On this occasion, Alpine will be behind his new representative Karim Benzema, in the race for the more >>
Stellantis Energizes Paris Motor Show with Electrified Portfolio Taking Center Stage
17.10.2022
 •    DS Automobiles, Jeep®, and Peugeot showcased electrified technologies and new vehicles•    Stellantis announced three new electrified models coming to Mulhouse facility: Peugeot e-308, e-308 station wagon and e-408•    World’s first hydrogen fuel cell vans, Citro&eu more >>
2022 Chattanooga Motorcar Festival Sponsored by Millennium Bank Pace Grand Prix at The Bend Race Results
16.10.2022
The Pace Grand Prix at The Bend vintage races sanctioned by the SVRA were completed successfully on Friday and Saturday, October 14-15, at the 2022 Chattanooga Motorcar Festival Sponsored by Millennium Bank. Seven groups competed in two races of 15 MINUTES each tod more >>
A Conversation With Byron DeFoor, Founder of the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival
13.10.2022
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (October 12, 2022) – in only its third year, the 2022 Chattanooga Motorcar Festival on October 14-16, set in the heart of the Scenic City, has proven to be a popular destination for car and racing fans and families, with its diverse menu of events. more >>
Tickets on sale for the prestigious Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival
13.10.2022
... bringing classic racing and glamour to the Dubai Autodrome •    From 25-27 November, the Dubai Autodrome will play host to a 70s-themed celebrat more >>
"The Misfit" 1963 Ford Anglia beats allcomers to win UK's Hot Wheels Legends Tour
11.10.2022
•    Supercharged BMW-engined 1963 Ford Anglia created by former estate agent wins UK round of competition to find a real-life enthusiast-owned car to turn into a die-cast toy model car•    Hot Wheels Legends Tour more >>
Renault Group and its brands at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, the Renaulution in motion - live broadcast
11.10.2022
    The Renault, Dacia, Alpine and Mobilize brands will be at the 2022 Paris Motor Show with several world firsts, their latest breakthroughs, and their range of products and services, arising from the Renaulution.    Four show-stopper stands, spanning more than 3,000 sqm in Hall 6, and attractions all week, from 17 to 23 October. more >>
Significant Cars to Headline Chattanooga Motorcar Festival Oct. 14-16, 2022
11.10.2022
A selection of significant world-class automobiles will be a part of this year's Concours d'Elegance on Sunday, October 16, in downtown Chattanooga for the third annual Chattanooga Motorcar Festival. Additionally, hundreds of spectacular vintage and modern cars will be showcased throughout the weekend at a variety of displays, including RADwood, V8s in the Village, Concours d'Lemons and C more >>
2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport Makes Public Debut at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Unique Off-Road Adventure Wrap
06.10.2022
    All-new Pilot TrailSport is the most rugged Honda SUV ever    Highly anticipated 3-row SUV wears special Rebelle Rally wrap for first public appearance ahead of full reveal    SZA, Flume and Kacey Musgraves headline 2022 Honda Stage at Austin City Limits as part of Honda’s long-standin more >>
Stellantis family, a strong partner of the Caravan world
06.10.2022
• Stellantis present at two of the most important events in the RV sector: the Salon des Véhicules de Loisirs in Paris – Le Bourget and the 61st Caravan Salon Düsseldorf.• This scenario emphasizes the breadth of Stellantis product range, designed to meet the widely varying requirements of converters and end users. It also confirms the more >>
Successful IAA trade show for QUANTRON
06.10.2022
•    Significant increase in market acceptance•    Well-filled order books•    Double-digit turnover expected for 2022 •    Outlook for business development in India and USA more >>
Paris Motor Show: an icon is re-born
05.10.2022
For a world premiere, Renault will unveil a new iteration of one of its most iconic models, the Renault 4.   On 17th October, for the 89th Paris Motor Show, Renault will unveil a brand-new show car that is a modern tribute more >>
Stellantis in Tychy celebrates the production of 12,500,000 vehicles
29.09.2022
Today, the 12,500,000th vehicle left the assembly lines of the Stellantis vehicle plant in Tychy, Poland. The unique jubilee car is a stunning two-tone Fiat 500 Dolcevita, equipped with a state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion system, which will go to a customer in Belgium. more >>
Immaculately restored Aston Martin DB4 delivers the original licence to thrill courtesy of Hilton & Moss
28.09.2022
•    World-class restorers and Aston Martin specialists Hilton & Moss present the result of their restoration expertise with a better-than-new 1960 example of the Aston Martin DB4•    The quintessentially British grand tourer has been treated to a wheels-up, nut-and-bolt restoration – from fresh powerplant t more >>
Jeff Koons reveals his ‘Dream Car’ at Contemporary Istanbul - Edition of the BMW M850i Gran Coupé.
22.09.2022
Internationally renowned for his colorful paintings as well as his iconic animal balloon sculptures made of stainless steel and drawing attention to popular culture and everyday objects, Jeff Koons, one of today's most influential contemporary artists, visited Istanbul for the first time as the guest of Borusan Holding and BMW Türkiye.   more >>
Renault electrifies IAA Transportation Motorshow at Hannover
19.09.2022
      Renault heads to Hannover to present the full extent of its expertise in all-electric vans    Renault unveils the All-new Trafic Van E-Tech Electric, a new addition to the range of all-e more >>
Shenzhen to host Automechanika Shanghai 2022
19.09.2022
 The 17th edition of Automechanika Shanghai will move to the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center from 20 to 23 December 2022 as a special arrangement. The relocation provides participants with more flexibility i more >>
Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica and Huracán STO explore Sardinia
16.09.2022
Lamborghini Lifestyle Experience starting at the Lounge Porto CervoFor the first time since its dynamic launch, the Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica set out to showcase the different souls it carries within. The winding and scenic roa more >>
Yanmar Compact Equipment to exhibit at BAUMA 2022
15.09.2022
Yanmar Compact Equipment aims to create an engaging and interactive experience for visitors of BAUMA 2022. Located at Outdoor Space North, booth FN 1017/2, the ‘Yanmar City’ will feature four customer application-inspired areas dedicated to showcasing its road construction, demolition, earthmoving and landscaping equipment, as well as a special zone for its state-of-the-art pl more >>
ABT congratulates Audi on 20 years of the RS 6
15.09.2022
"Perfect platform for ultimate high-performance station wagons"The RS 6, which has now been built for 20 years, not only plays an important role in Audi's corporate history, but also at ABT Sportsline. Four generations have been created so fa more >>
Great success for the third Romeo Ferraris Experience in Vallelunga
14.09.2022
The activities of Romeo Ferraris continue beyond the commitments of the racing department. On the occasion of the home race in Vallelunga of the FIA ETCR which took place from 22 to 24 July, the already rich program of races was enhanced with numerous collateral initiatives that saw the Opera-based company center-stage, allowing to give a comprehensive overview of the activities in which they a more >>
EnviroWheels' new electric panel van turns heads at Festival of Motoring
13.09.2022
•    Efficient battery-electric panel van saves big on last-mile deliveries•    New battery-electric forward-cab one-tonne bakkie to be launched soon•    Continuation of local testing to determine total cost of ownership (TCO) figures more >>
6 world premieres for Renault Group at the 2022 Paris Motor Show
09.09.2022
    The Renault, Dacia, Alpine and Mobilize brands will be showcased at the 2022 Paris Motor Show.    Press conference by Luca de Meo, Chief Executive Officer of Renault Group and Renault brand, on 17 October from 9:00 am to 9:30 am at the Renault stand.    World premieres, the latest novelties, innov more >>
World EV Day: EV brand heads and experts share insightful ideas for fast-tracking India’s EV adoption initiative
08.09.2022
With ‘World EV Day 2022’ just around the corner, brands heads and e-mobility experts convey their messages on how India can strongly and steadily advance its automotive electrification initiative. These EV stalwarts will come together at E-Mobility India Forum powered by NGV India Summit on 29 September 2022 at Le Meridien, New Delhi to deliberate on “Electrifyin more >>
2001-2023 copyright automobilsport.com